Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge 2025
Sea to Sky: Conquering Q1 Together
On Sunday, 14th September 2025, the Gold Coast skyline came alive with determination and energy as more than 400 participants took on the Skypoint Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge — climbing 1,331 stairs across 77 floors of Australia’s tallest residential tower.
Originally postponed in March due to a cyclone, the rescheduled event returned stronger than ever. Together, climbers, supporters, and donors helped raise over $70,000 for charity partner Livin, an organisation dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health through education, awareness programs, and support initiatives.
Why We Climbed
For many, the climb is about testing personal limits, fitness, or community spirit. But this year, we climbed for mental health. Livin’s powerful message, “It Ain’t Weak to Speak”, inspired every step, reminding participants that confronting challenges together makes us stronger.
“The steps aren’t just physical,” said one participant, “they’re symbolic—one step at a time toward resilience, strength, and support.”
Fast & Fierce – Race Highlights
The elite field did not disappoint. On the men’s side, Mark Bourne stormed to victory in a blistering 7 minutes 3 seconds. Just seconds behind, Nick Morrison and Steve Bentley battled it out for 2nd and 3rd.
On the women’s side, Josie Riseley dominated, charging to a finish of 9:48, closely followed by Trinity Donovan and Elysse Roselt, showing that the women’s race is just as competitive and fierce.
Podium Results:
🏆 Men – 1. Mark Bourne 07:03 | 2. Nick Morrison 09:39 | 3. Steve Bentley 09:40
🏆 Women – 1. Josie Riseley 09:48 | 2. Trinity Donovan 11:05 | 3. Elysse Roselt 11:28
Participant Stories from the Stairs
Steve
For Steve, the motivation was simple: he wanted to test himself. “I wanted to see if I could do it — and to my surprise, I could!” he said. Halfway up, the burn in his legs was fierce, but the roar of encouragement from spectators and fellow climbers carried him onward. Reaching the summit brought a mix of relief, joy, and awe at the panoramic views.
“The support from the people cheering really helped keep me going when it got tough,” he reflected. Would he do it again? Without hesitation.
Josie
Josie remembers the atmosphere before the climb even began. “The buzz at the start line is something you can’t explain. Everyone’s nervous but excited.”
Inside the stairwell, the world narrowed to breath, heartbeat, and the endless steps. “You don’t think you can do it — until you do,” she said. Each landing brought renewed determination, and encouragement from fellow climbers reminded her she wasn’t alone.
Her advice: “Don’t overthink it — take the first step, and you’ll discover a strength you didn’t know you had.”
Jorja
One climb wasn’t enough for Jorja; she tackled the Q1 stairwell Seven times. “Sometimes it’s a hard slog and you want to stop,” she admitted. But pushing through exhaustion brought pride and accomplishment.
Her story is proof that stair climbing is as much about mental toughness as physical endurance. “When you finally get to the top and realise what you’ve achieved, it’s the best feeling.”
Howard Lister
Howard first tackled Q1 in 2019 and returned this year with the goal of completing four climbs. “There’s excitement, encouragement from spectators, and pre-climb nerves,” he said. “Inside the stairwell, it’s a bit of a hard slog — that’s when the mental fitness kicks in.”
He values the self-pride of achieving what he set out to do and the camaraderie of like-minded climbers. His advice for newcomers: “Start small, build up, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand!”
Everest Challenge Reflections – Erin
Erin set out at the start of the year with a simple goal: complete one climb of Q1. By the end of the event, she had far exceeded that, taking on the Everest Challenge and completing five ascents of Q1 — the most stairs she had ever climbed in a single event.
She admitted to being nervous at first: “I had never done Q1 before and after committing to the Everest Challenge, I wasn’t sure if the steps would be too deep to take two at a time. It was a relief to realise I could double step — a different kind of burn compared to single-stepping, but one I welcomed.”
For Erin, the challenge carried a deep personal meaning. “Having lost both a brother and an uncle to suicide, the cause behind the climb holds deep significance for me. When the fatigue sets in on the stairs, I remind myself: just one more step, one foot in front of the other, keep moving forward.”
The experience became as much a mental test as a physical one, with the support of others on the climb making all the difference: “On the stairs you meet people who lift you up, encourage you, and push you to keep going. That sense of community is one of the things I love most about stair climbing.”
Looking ahead, Erin is already thinking about her next challenge: “I’ll definitely be back to take on Q1 again next year, not just because it’s a great physical challenge, but because of the incredible cause it supports and the powerful message behind it. And next time, I’m aiming higher — more ascents, more steps, and more positivity.”
Jamie – First-Time Climber
First-time climber Jamie described the Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge as both challenging and incredibly enjoyable. Unsure how much preparation was needed, he admitted feeling a little nervous at the start line — but the buzz, energy, and excitement from other climbers quickly settled his nerves. He laughs now about one early mistake: trying to copy the runners who bolted off from the start. By level 15, he realised that pace wasn’t sustainable and switched to walking before he “crashed.” Reaching the top felt fantastic, and he’s already made a mental note for next year — run the final flat stretch instead of strolling for the last 30 seconds! Grateful for how welcomed he felt, Jamie says he’ll definitely be back — and next time, he’s aiming for a multi-climb challenge.
Kevin – Four Ascents and a Love for the “Superbowl” of Stair Climbing
Kevin returned to the Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge with one clear motivation: to compete alongside some of the best stair climbers in Australia and reconnect with fellow SCA members who also made the journey. Already familiar with the Q1 tower, he knew exactly what he was taking on — and he embraced it wholeheartedly.
He took on multiple climbs, ultimately completing four full ascents, a feat that pushed his physical and mental limits. By the time he reached level 70 on each climb, the fatigue had well and truly set in — but the electrifying cheers from the crowd six floors below gave him the final surge he needed. That moment of noise, energy, and support carried him right to the top and remains one of his strongest memories of the event.
The day was filled with connection and camaraderie. Kevin recalled receiving encouragement from climbers of all levels — single-climb participants and multi-climbers alike — and he made sure to pass that support on to others who were struggling. That shared spirit is something he sees as a defining part of the Q1 experience.
Climbing solo didn’t make him feel alone; instead, it sharpened his focus. He described the day as “racing against myself,” pushing internally to achieve each ascent with determination. The atmosphere at the start line and throughout the tower was nothing short of “awesome,” setting the tone for a strong performance.
Among all his experiences, one memory stands above the rest: seeing so many people — from first-timers to veterans — challenging themselves, celebrating their achievements, and having fun. It left him hopeful that even more climbers will return for the 2026 event.
Having climbed many towers, Kevin places Q1 in a league of its own. To him, it’s not just another building — it’s the ‘Superbowl’ of stair climbing, the event where everything feels bigger, tougher, and more exciting than anywhere else.
His advice for newcomers is simple and encouraging: ask questions. Every elite and multi-climb athlete started as a beginner, and the stair climbing community is full of people ready to share tips, calm nerves, and help others succeed.
And as for next year? There’s no hesitation. Kevin is already committed to returning for the 2026 Q1 Sea to Sky, ready to take on the challenge all over again.
Beyond One Climb – The Multi Madness
Inspired by legendary climber Brian Wilson, a record number of participants took on multiple climbs. The ultimate challenge was the Everest Challenge, where a team of 10 climbers combined for 40 ascents — the height of Mount Everest.
Everest Warriors:
Steve Bentley – 7 climbs
Josie Riseley – 12 climbs (1 more than last year!)
Marcus Burgess – 4 climbs
Erin Kuhl – 5 climbs
Jorja Hitchens – 7 climbs
Janet Goodwin – 6 climbs
Lyndell Murray – 5 climbs
Elizabeth Johnson – 3 climbs
Danielle Di Rosa – 4 climbs
Josie summed it up best: “Hard. Amazing. Relief. And ready to go again!”
Teamwork on the Stairs – Assisi Catholic College
One of the most inspiring moments of the day came from four young climbers from Assisi Catholic College — Easton Davies, Benji Burgess, Adrielle Collo, and Archer Allen — who decided to take on Q1 together as a team. Their goal wasn’t just to reach the top, but to support one another every step of the way.
From the start, the four friends stayed close, pacing themselves and cheering each other through the stairwell. Every floor was a test of endurance, but also of teamwork. When one of them slowed, the others offered encouragement, creating a ripple of positivity that carried them onward.
For Archer, the experience was about more than climbing: “It was challenging, I climbed a lot of steps but I did it because we were a team. We kept each other going, and that made it fun even when it was hard.”
By the time they reached the top, their teamwork had paid off. They crossed the finish line together in 01:26:22, celebrating not just the physical achievement but the bond they strengthened along the way.
This story reminds us that the Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s a space where friendships are forged, teamwork is tested, and young climbers can discover resilience and pride in shared effort. The Assisi Catholic College climbers showed that sometimes, the climb is about lifting each other as much as lifting yourself.
More Than a Stair Climb
The Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge is about more than conquering 1,331 steps. It’s about resilience, courage, community spirit, and supporting a cause that matters. From first-time climbers to Everest warriors, every story reflects determination and the power of togetherness.
To everyone who climbed, cheered, donated, or supported — thank you. Your steps are making a difference.
